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Southampton have been linked with a move for Liverpool striker Divock Origi recently, and he could prove to be a superb addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

What’s the word?

According to 90min, Southampton are one of several sides taking an interest in the Belgian this summer, with West Ham, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, Rangers and Celtic also reportedly monitoring his situation at Anfield.

Although he is regarded as a cult hero at the Merseyside club for his brace in the memorable 4-0 win against Barcelona in the Champions League, as well as a late second in the win against Tottenham Hotspur in the final, he was a fringe option for the majority of last season and struggled on his rare appearances in Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Would Origi be a good signing for Southampton?

Origi has never really been able to produce consistently good form during his time at Liverpool, with Klopp rarely deviating from his front three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

The former Wolfsburg man’s playing time was limited even further last season following the arrival and subsequent good form of Diogo Jota, as he made just five starts last season in all competitions, with a further 10 appearances from the bench.

During his time on the pitch, he would manage no goals and just one assist, so it is no surprise to see him linked with a move away from Anfield this summer, in the hope that regular playing time elsewhere would help him rediscover his goalscoring touch.

The 26-year-old has truthfully never been prolific, with his best goalscoring season coming in the 2014/15 Ligue 1 campaign, as he scored eight goals for Lille in a loan spell, after moving from Les Dogues to the Reds the previous summer.

Since then, the £10.8m-rated striker has featured in 157 games for Liverpool, in which he has managed 35 goals and 14 assists, so would bring plenty of Premier League experience with him if he were to move to St Mary’s this summer.

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Considering his contract is set to expire at the end of next season, it seems clear that he will leave Liverpool this summer, which suggests that Hasenhuttl would be able to bring him in for a fairly low fee, and he could add some much-needed squad depth in attack, challenging Danny Ings and Che Adams for a starting spot in the Austrian manager’s side.

After scoring an impressive brace against Everton in 2019, Phil Neville was full of praise for the forward, saying:

“He’s got a taste for the big games. He has made big contributions in big games.”

Therefore, Origi arguably deserves a chance to show what he can do when afforded regular opportunities in a Premier League side, and given the price of any potential deal, he could prove to be an ideal, affordable option for the Saints this summer, so vice-chairman Martin Semmens should definitely look at bringing him in.

And, in other news… Tom Leach shares Southampton update on CL regular, fans will be gutted

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has delivered an update on Leeds United’s plans for the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

During a Q&A for The Athletic, he revealed: “Selling someone such as Raphinha would raise substantial funds and I can’t see Leeds even entertaining Barcelona’s reported valuation of £30m (according to various Spanish outlets). His asking price is bigger than that.

“The money received would help with recruitment but a departure would leave a large hole in the squad too and if, as George suggests, Leeds look to bring in a clutch of new signings, they will need a budget beyond what they can raise by cashing in on existing players.

“One thing worth adding — they speak a lot about the Leicester City model at Elland Road, and the Leicester City model has never involved selling more than one key player in a single summer window. Leeds have to control any outgoings.”

Big summer for Leeds

With the likes of Raphinha, Kalvin Phillips and Illan Meslier all linked with an exit this summer, it promises to be a really huge period in Leeds United’s history.

Losing any one of them would be a massive blow to their chances of retaining Premier League safety next season, but any more than that would be almost unthinkable.

As Hay says, if Leeds are keen on replicating the Leicester model of buying cheaper, unproven players and then moulding them into stars who can be sold for big profit a la Harry Maguire for example, then the Whites are onto a smart strategy.

But, offloading more than just one of their most prized assets would be catastrophic for a side whose time in the Premier League even this season is still insecure.

Raphinha has been the man of the hour since his arrival from Rennes, Phillips remains the heartbeat of this Leeds team, and Meslier is the undisputed number one and at his age, has already got unprecedented Premier League experience.

Cashing in on one would certainly add a healthy amount to the transfer kitty though for Jesse Marsch, and Victor Orta will have plenty to work with in really strengthening this squad and adding some vital squad depth and first-team quality.

Either way, it’s the kind of seismic summer that should both worry and excite Marsch in equal measure.

Get it right, and the Elland Road faithful will be absolutely buzzing.

AND in other news – Sold at £8m, now worth triple: Leeds had a nightmare over “fearless” 5 ft 9 magician

A big Newcastle United transfer claim has been made regarding Scottish left-back Aaron Hickey… 

What’s the talk?

In a recent interview with Football FanCast, Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie confirmed that the full-back is a player that the club are aware of heading into the summer.

“Aaron Hickey is one that has been mentioned, that Bologna, young, 19-year-old, Scottish defender. He’s been watched. Hickey is a player that has been watched.”

Fans will be elated

Considering the sheer amount of potential Hickey is quite clearly in possession of, Magpies supporters will be elated by the interest their club is showing in the youngster.

Indeed, what Downie’s claim demonstrates is that PIF are being proactive and looking to scout young, talented prospects with a view to bringing them to St. James’ Park.

It shows that they want to keep an eye on players with potential instead of just focusing on seasoned professionals who bring experience and are proven at the top level.

However, while it is true that, at the age of just 19, the defender would be something of a signing for the future, the Scotland international has nevertheless proven he is more than capable of doing a job at senior level already in his short career.

Indeed, in Serie A this season, Hickey has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.90 across 28 appearances. This shows that he has been performing to an impressive standard in the Italian top flight, suggesting that he has the potential to develop into a superb player in the future if he can continue to progress and hone his skills.

Newcastle fans will, therefore, be buzzing to learn that he is a gem the club are keeping a close eye on – as Hickey could well go on to become a key player within Eddie Howe’s side for many a year to come.

AND in other news, Huge boost: Newcastle handed key injury lift that’ll leave Eddie Howe ecstatic…

Many Sheffield Wednesday fans were critical of Florian Kamberi’s performance in their 0-0 draw at Portsmouth in League One on Tuesday night.

The Owls perhaps would have settled for a point in the end as Massimo Luongo was given a straight red card for violent conduct in the 69th minute, meaning that they had to hold out for more than 20 minutes with 10 men on the field.

However, when a team goes down a player, they really need the help of the forwards to hold the ball up and bring others into play whenever they can attack.

Alas, Kamberi struggled while Wednesday had 11 men, let alone 10, as he lost out on all seven of his duels and also failed to record a single shot on goal or dribble. In addition, he was guilty of losing possession of the ball seven times in total during the game (SofaScore).

Sheff Wed fans on Kamberi display

These Owls fans slammed his performance on Twitter, with one supporter even going as far as to claim that he is a ‘poor man’s Stevie May’, referring to the Scottish striker who only managed seven goals in his 42-match Wednesday career:

“Kamberi not offering much at all!”

Credit: @ABKTowl

“Kamberi, poor man’s Stevie May”

Credit: @Elliott51084

“Kamberi & Gregory just can’t play together. Running the same lines, banging into each other. It’s embarrassing.”

Credit: @bensaavage

“Kamberi totally oblivious. Hook him.”

Credit: @mrpaulhank

“Kamberi ain’t good enough”

Credit: @LockStar9

“Just like to say, I don’t think I have ever seen anyone slip over on a football pitch as much as Kamberi. Reckon he might need bigger studs or something.”

Credit: @ReeceDaviesSWFC

In other news, one man’s display against Hartlepool was slammed by these Sheff Wed fans

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have gone wild over news involving their club and Marseille defensive ace Boubacar Kamara.

Since central defensive mainstay Angelo Ogbonna ruptured his ACL in the 3-2 victory over Liverpool, manager David Moyes and West Ham have been linked to signing a new presence at the back.

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Links to James Tarkowski, for example, have emerged in recent weeks with the Burnley defender set to leave on a free deal at the end of this season.

West Ham could save money in cut price moves like this given targets can sign pre-contracts in January ahead of free summer moves next year.

Now, as explained by ExWHUemployee, it appears West Ham are eyeing another defensive star out of contract in 2022 as news emerges on Kamara.

The Ligue 1 man, who can play both as a centre-half and in midfield, is apparently on Moyes’ radar alongside usual suspect Duje Caleta-Car as the club insider shares news on his West Ham Way Podcast.

West Ham fans excited…

Both men are attracting West Ham’s admiration, but the player supporters are most excited about appears to be Kamara.

According to WhoScored, the 21-year-old averaged more tackles per 90 last season (2.5) than any of Moyes’ current crop – standing out as a real presence defensively.

Given his young age, he comes with real sell-on value also and is rated at a meagre £25.2 million by Transfermarkt.

Taking all this into account, it’s understandable why supporters are ecstatic to see his name mentioned – with one calling Kamara a would-be ‘great signing’.

Find all of their best Twitter verdicts down below:

“KAMARA AT LE BOWL”

Credit: @whugdz

“Kamara would be a great signing”

Credit: @WillBailham

“Pleaaaase!

Kamara in this squad boosts us so much!”

Credit: @WhufcSloth

“Bouba Kamara is a no brainer, but he’ll have alot of suitors with his contract up in the summer. Caleta-Car would be a good signing (pings etc). Hes getting game time recently so dunno if Marseille will sell now in January. We can aim for better than Tarkowski (on the ball etc)”

Credit: @MahfuzCOYI16

“BRING IN KAMARA”

Credit: @jeevansinghp

“Kamara now.”

Credit: @Benjamiiin20

“KAMARAAAAAAAAA”

Credit: @jackcoyi1

“siuuuuu”

Credit: @_danieluker

In other news: ‘Steal’, ‘Oh yes’, ‘Top of my wish list’…West Ham fans rave as Newman eyes brand new target, find out more here.

Sunderland confirmed on Thursday evening that teenager Dan Neil has put pen to paper on a long-term contract.

And, as to be expected, a number of Black Cats supporters were quick to share their thoughts to the update on social media.

Neil, who made his senior debut back in 2018, has been a regular in Lee Johnson’s side this season, making 17 appearances in all competitions.

The 19-year-old, whose previous deal was set to expire in 2023, has netted twice and registered five assists this season and has now penned fresh terms until 2025 at the Stadium of Light.

He’s followed in the footsteps of Elliot Embleton in extending his stay in the north east, admitting it’s a ‘dream come true’ to be playing for the club.

Sunderland fans react

Sunderland posted the news on their official Twitter page on Thursday. This is what these fans had to say in reply, with many delighted and one labelling it as ‘excellent news’.

“This has just made my day”

Credit: @COLINDLYNCH

“I’ve got my club back”

Credit: @Rye_Moran

“Excellent news”

Credit: @titch471

“What a statement that is actually keeping our best young players, would’ve been sold for pennies under previous regime”

Credit: @gabenoble12

“We won’t make a bigger signing in the next 4/5 years. Superb this”

Credit: @mickysafc20

“Class news this absolutely buzzing with it”

Credit: @leanne_w_

In other news: ‘No idea’ – Many Sunderland fans react as ‘odd’ news is now confirmed.

Fabrizio Romano has provided a major Newcastle managerial update regarding Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca.

What’s the talk?

The Italian journalist has claimed that the ex-Roma head coach is prepared to accept the Magpies job after talks with the new owners at St James Park. However, they are keeping their options open and have not yet decided whether or not they will go with Fonseca to lead the club forward.

Romano told the ¡Que Golazo! podcast, via Shields Gazette: “As we mentioned last week, they were beginning talks with Fonseca and going in with optimism around these negotiations because Paulo Fonseca is prepared to accept the proposal from Newcastle.

“It’s now up to Newcastle. They have everything set with Fonseca but they need to decide if they want to go with him or do something different, talk with other managers and consider other opportunities.

“So Newcastle have not one-hundred percent decided yet, but Fonseca is the front-runner, everything is ready for him, he would be prepared to accept. They’re discussing about money and final things but I’m sure that Fonseca is the front-runner now.

“Let’s see if they want to do something surprising because these [talks] are going on but they’re not signing his contract or not completing his agreement so this is why they are maybe thinking of someone else or something surprising.” Excitement

These claims from Romano will surely leave Newcastle fans feeling excited for several reasons. For starters, Fonseca being prepared to accept an offer from the club is a major boost, as it means that no matter what happens with their other targets, they know that an impressive manager is ready to join at any point.

Fonseca has 320 games as a manager under his belt, averaging 1.94 points per game across five separate leagues. Steve Bruce, who recently left the club, has managed 477 Premier League matches in his career and averaged 1.11 points per game. This suggests that the Portuguese coach would be a significant upgrade on Bruce, which is why the fans would be happy to see him at the helm.

However, Magpies supporters could also be excited by Romano’s last quote. He suggests that PIF may be stalling on Fonseca as they plot a surprise appointment, and that could get fans on the edge of their seats as they ponder who else could arrive to take charge of the club. If Newcastle believe that they can bring in a manager with a better record than Fonseca, whose aforementioned career has been impressive so far, that is a very exciting thought for the fans.

It will be quite interesting to see where PIF go with this. As Romano has explained, a deal for Fonseca appears to be close and they could sign off on that and bring him to Tyneside, or else they may go left-field and appoint another head coach…

AND in other news, “Comfortably spend…”: Chris Waugh drops big Newcastle claim which should delight fans…

Dean Windass reckons Jesse Lingard is destined to seal a permanent return to West Ham United as he would want to repay the faith shown in him by David Moyes.

Manchester United creative midfielder Lingard spent the second half of last season on loan with the Hammers and rediscovered his best form, scoring nine goals and adding five assists in 16 appearances.

Lingard has returned to Old Trafford following the temporary switch and was involved for the first time this term when he emerged as a late substitute in United’s draw with Southampton at the weekend.

West Ham boss Moyes confirmed last week that he is still keen to make a late swoop for the 28-year-old, who is thought to be on £75,000 a week at United, before the transfer window slams shut next week.

The Hammers’ continued interest comes despite the east Londoners making an impressive start to the new Premier League campaign, with them currently sitting at the top of the standings.

Former Premier League striker Windass believes Lingard would be happy to return to London Stadium.

He exclusively told The Transfer Tavern: “I was quite loyal and I’d want to go back if there was a situation where Moyes has brought me in and helped to revive my career.

“Lingard would play week in, week out and he would go to West Ham. David Moyes has come out and said we would love him to come back and there have been rumours about it.

“Michail Antonio would be saying ‘I need Jesse Lingard back’ because that’s the selfish attitude of a centre forward. He gave the football club a lift and, with the supporters back, Lingard would grow as a player. I think that could happen.”

Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier could potentially join La Liga giants Barcelona next summer, according to a fresh rumour which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Meslier shines for Leeds

The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the standout figures of the Marcelo Bielsa era at Elland Road, excelling between the sticks. He has now made 65 appearances for Leeds, proving to be a model of consistency and becoming the youngest goalkeeper in Premier League history to play 50 times in the division.

He has kept 23 clean sheets during his time in Yorkshire, which works out at approximately one every three matches, a very respectable return.

The Frenchman looks set to have a huge future in the game, and although his current Whites deal doesn’t expire until 2026, there appears to be some interest in him ahead of forthcoming transfer windows.

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The Latest: Barca linked with Meslier

According to pundit Gerard Moreno [via Planeta Barca and Sport Witness], who specialises in Barcelona news, Meslier is wanted by the La Liga giants due to the poor form of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

A summer move is mentioned rather than a January switch, although no official approach appears to have been made. Andre Onana, Koen Casteels and Bartlomiej Dragowski were also identified by Moreno as potential replacements for the £49.5m-rated Germany goalkeeper, who boasts 14 trophies to his name during his time at Camp Nou.

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The Verdict: Potentially huge loss

Much like a number of Leeds players who are highly sought-after, it is perhaps wishful thinking to expect Meslier to remain at Elland Road for many years to come.

That would be an ideal scenario, of course, but considering that he is arguably one of Europe’s best young goalkeepers – he has been hailed as ‘excellent’ by BBC pundit Micah Richards – it is easy to envisage him joining a top European club.

If Meslier does choose to move on, it is vital that Leeds receive a decent fee for his services in order to replace him with a similarly talented player and bring in other reinforcements. He is valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, so prospective suitors should not expect to get away with paying anything less.

In other news, David Ornstein has provided a key update on one Leeds player. Find out who it is here.

Angus Kinnear has dropped a major update on Marcelo Bielsa’s new contract at Leeds United, and it’s one that will have fans buzzing.

What’s the story?

Speaking on The Square Ball podcast, he said: “I think, bar the contract, we’re in great shape (heading into the 2021/22 season).

“It’ll be signed this week and announced to great excitement. It’s not even been discussed. The discussions are all around preparations, it really is a formality.

“We had a handshake probably six months ago and it really is just the details. Every day he’s talking to Victor (Orta), Andrea (Radrizzani) and myself but it’s all about preparations.”

Fans will be excited

With the Premier League season now inching ever closer to its beginning, the fact there hasn’t been any confirmation just yet about Bielsa putting pen to paper on a new deal at Elland Road might have raised some worry among fans.

The kind of affinity and love Leeds fans have for Bielsa is unquestionable, with the Argentine a firm favourite in Yorkshire for the way he has embraced the city and brought the Whites back to the big time of the Premier League.

Leeds enjoyed a superb first season back in the top-flight last term, finishing in the top ten and picking up some notable scalps along the way, not least a fantastic victory over Premier League champions Manchester City at the Etihad.

It’s exactly why Kinnear’s latest update that everything is virtually done and dusted, and a formal announcement is being readied, should have fans very much excited.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has dropped an update on Leeds’ chase for Adama Traore…